Expected more

This movie was so-so. It had it's moments, but wasn't the greatest.

It's easily one of the freshest, sharpest and most enjoyable films of this year.

It's simply great fun, a winsome film and an occasionally over-the-top luxury fantasy that never flags.

So I just finished watching this piece of garbage and it's bad. Really, really bad. However I watched this a group of friends and we haven't laughed this much in a while. Every time a scene with those bird things showed up or one of the small troll things were snatched everybody laughed until they cried. We couldn't finish it though because the puppets were making us uncomfortable and honestly we don't need that in our lives.

For some odd reason then I never have gotten around to watching "The Dark Crystal", despite the fact that the movie is from 1982 and also despite the fact that I have been playing fantasy RPG since around 1985. But 2017 was the year that I finally got to watch it.The story told in this movie was actually rather good story, and it being a very classic fantasy tale, but I will also say that it was a generic one of such stories. But that was not really a bad thing. If you enjoy the fantasy genre, then you will definitely enjoy the story told in "The Dark Crystal".The creature design in the movie was quite good, but of course that was to be expected given this being at the hands of Jim Henson and Frank Oz. The level of details on the characters and creatures was just spectacular, and the ideas for the creatures was quite good and very much in the fantasy genre.In fact, the entire world was vibrant and felt very much alive. And the amounts of detail in the sets, props and costumes was just mind-blowing. They really put so much effort into bringing this fantasy world to life that you feel like you are right there yourself. I was more than impressed by the level of details there was to be seen in every single shot.I watched "The Dark Crystal" with my seven year old son, and he was also quite entertained by the movie, and found many of the creatures to be rather interesting and fun to look at.It should be said that the storyline is rather generic and predictable, which might not be the best of selling points. But personally I could look past that because of my admiration and love for the fantasy genre.If you enjoy the fantasy genre, then you really much take the time to sit down to watch "The Dark Crystal". This is definitely a typical and classic Jim Henson and Frank Oz movie. And I will say that the movie also has enough contents to actually support being watched more than just once.

I'm sure that kids of today would think this rather crude, what with the CGI that permeates...but if they give it 30 minutes, they'll be hooked. The story is simply that well done...Sure, Dark Crystal moves slowly through much of the film, but the scenery makes up for that in a strange way. This is another planet, after all...These are muppetts with an attitude, seemingly crude, yet when you look closely, the astounding detail hits you right on the head. A delightful departure from the norm...

To save Thra the last Gelflings, Jen and Kira, go on a quest to find a shard of the UrSkek Crystal which will fulfil a prophesy that links the fate of two races, the cruel Skeksis and the gentle Mystics. Jim Henson with his talented artists and performers create an unparalleled, eerie, oppressive atmosphere. The Dark Crystal is a technological and artistic achievement and still holds up pretty well today. As well featuring real locations there's great set and creature design, puppetry, miniatures, matte paintings, optical composite work and some blue screen. Trevor Jones' score is powerful and Joseph O'Conor's Orson Welles-like narration sets the scene. The voice tones of the leads are sombre, whispery and slow, adding to its hazy dreamlike quality in contrast to the harshness of Aughra and the various Skeksis characters. As a fantasy film Henson creates a compelling world with its array of creatures. As the Gelflings go on their quest they encounter friendly monsters, Landstriders, Nebrie and (Fraggle Rock-esque) Podlings to name a few. But over all its dark in nature from ceremonial imagery, right down to the Garthim a crustacean-like creatures employed by the Skeksis to capture the Gelflings. Memorable is the exiled SkekSil the Chamberlain notably performed by Frank Oz and voiced by Barry Dennen.Refreshingly pre-CGI, Dark Crystal is impressive, but the pace is questionable and there is little of the Henson-Oz trademark a sense of fun which he injected into his Muppet works and later Labyrinth. That's not to take anything away from his 1982 offering. As story it can teach a lesson in morality to children but the visuals and tone appear for the most part geared for entertaining adults.Overall, its infectious, mysterious, romantic Gothic atmosphere can leave you in a groggy dream-like state. Whether that's a good thing or not is debatable, but not many fantasy films can boast such an affect or lasting visual impact.